Lowrie awaiting MRI on swollen thumb; today’s lineup against Mets

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Jed Lowrie had his injured and swollen right thumb wrapped this morning at Osceola County Stadium, and while X-rays were negative, Lowrie and the Astros were still awaiting results of an MRI to determine how long he’d be out.

“I’m just going to assume it’s a few days until they tell me otherwise,” Lowrie said. “Hopefully with ice and treatment, the swelling goes down and then maybe I’ll get back there as soon as possible.”

The starting shortstop was injured in Wednesday’s game against the Marlins when he jammed his thumb on Miami second baseman Omar Infante’s body as Lowrie was diving back to the bag.

It’s the second straight year the Astros had their starting shortstop go down late in spring training with a hand injury. In 2011, Clint Barmes was hit on the hand with a pitch in a game against the Yankees and missed the first three weeks of the season.

Marwin Gonzalez went into the game when Lowrie left and could be getting the bulk of the playing time as this plays out.

Also, Angel Sanchez, who was reassigned to minor league camp Wednesday, will be with the big league team the next few days (there is no transaction required as he is not on the 40-man roster.)

“He’s a solid backup in the middle infield who’s had a good spring,” manager Brad Mills said. We want to try to keep him around for these next few days at least until we find out about Jed and go from there.”

<b>1. CF Jordan Schafer</b>
He's often had trouble staying healthy including this spring, but with Jason Bourgeois gone, he should get most of the starts as long as he is healthy.

<b>1. CF Jordan Schafer</b>
He's often had trouble staying healthy including this spring, but with Jason Bourgeois gone, he should get most of the starts as long as he is healthy.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b>2. SS Jed Lowrie</b>
The trade acquisition from Boston might start the season on the DL with a thumb injury.

<b>2. SS Jed Lowrie</b>
The trade acquisition from Boston might start the season on the DL with a thumb injury.

Photo: Doug Benc / Getty Images

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<b>3. LF J.D. Martinez</b>
He found himself hitting this high in the order in a two-month introduction to the big leagues. A poor September hasn't dampened the Astros' enthusiasm about the big righty bat. less

<b>3. LF J.D. Martinez</b>
He found himself hitting this high in the order in a two-month introduction to the big leagues. A poor September hasn't dampened the Astros' enthusiasm about the big righty ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<b>4. 1B Carlos Lee</b>
Management has said that Lee is presumed the starter at first base, pushing Brett Wallace into a tryout for third.

<b>4. 1B Carlos Lee</b>
Management has said that Lee is presumed the starter at first base, pushing Brett Wallace into a tryout for third.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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<b>5. RF Brian Bogusevic</b>
Last year, the Astros were reluctant to play him against lefthanded pitching, so this might not be an everyday role. He is the favorite right now for the majority of the starts after a good finish and good winter. less

<b>5. RF Brian Bogusevic</b>
Last year, the Astros were reluctant to play him against lefthanded pitching, so this might not be an everyday role. He is the favorite right now for the majority of the starts ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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<strong>6. 3B Chris Johnson</strong>
After losing his spot to Jimmy Paredes last July, he's back with a great spring.

<strong>6. 3B Chris Johnson</strong>
After losing his spot to Jimmy Paredes last July, he's back with a great spring.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b>7. C Jason Castro</b>
He's beaten the timetable for recovery from foot surgery, so he should be good to go as the No. 1 catcher again with Chris Snyder backing up.

<b>7. C Jason Castro</b>
He's beaten the timetable for recovery from foot surgery, so he should be good to go as the No. 1 catcher again with Chris Snyder backing up.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b>8. 2B Jose Altuve</b>
This position is subject to change. If he gets his on-base percentage up, he could creep upward in the lineup.

<b>8. 2B Jose Altuve</b>
This position is subject to change. If he gets his on-base percentage up, he could creep upward in the lineup.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<b>ROTATION</b>
<b>1. LHP Wandy Rodriguez</b>
If based on last year's performance, the lefty should be in line for his first opening day start in eight years on the club.

<b>ROTATION</b>
<b>1. LHP Wandy Rodriguez</b>
If based on last year's performance, the lefty should be in line for his first opening day start in eight years on the club.

Photo: Scott Boehm / Getty

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<b>2. RHP Bud Norris</b>
Entering the age of a ballplayer's typical prime, Norris is the favorite to be the No. 1 a year or two down the road.

<b>2. RHP Bud Norris</b>
Entering the age of a ballplayer's typical prime, Norris is the favorite to be the No. 1 a year or two down the road.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<strong>3. RHP Lucas Harrell</strong>
He threw six scoreless innings against Corpus Christi on Monday to finish off a solid spring. He will start the second game of the season, since a triceps injury pushed Bud Norris back to third in the rotation. less

<strong>3. RHP Lucas Harrell</strong>
He threw six scoreless innings against Corpus Christi on Monday to finish off a solid spring. He will start the second game of the season, since a triceps injury pushed ... more

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<b>4. LHP J.A. Happ</b>
He struggled quite a bit last year, and the Astros were given the chance to non-tender him, rather than guarantee a contract, which turned out to be more than $2 million. He'll get another chance. less

<b>4. LHP J.A. Happ</b>
He struggled quite a bit last year, and the Astros were given the chance to non-tender him, rather than guarantee a contract, which turned out to be more than $2 million. He'll get ... more

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Chronicle

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<strong>5. RHP Kyle Weiland</strong>
A product of the Mark Melancon trade, Weiland threw four no-hit innings against the Yankees as part of a breakout spring.

<strong>5. RHP Kyle Weiland</strong>
A product of the Mark Melancon trade, Weiland threw four no-hit innings against the Yankees as part of a breakout spring.